An award-winning architect from Perth's western suburbs has been cleared of criminal charges following a heated driveway dispute that escalated to allegations of knife-wielding and assault. Louise St John Kennedy, 75, faced the Perth Magistrates Court over an incident involving her 81-year-old neighbour, rheumatologist Prudence Manners, in Claremont.
Background of the Neighbourhood Conflict
The tensions between the two residents began over access to a shared driveway within their strata complex. According to court evidence, the dispute originated from Dr Manners parking her Toyota Kluger outside Ms Kennedy's garage, which she claimed was temporary while moving boxes. Ms Kennedy, who drives a smaller Ford Mustang, argued this blocked her easy access, leading to a series of frustrated text exchanges.
Messages presented in court showed Ms Kennedy writing, "Prue, you're blocking again. Not acceptable. Incredibly inconsiderate." Dr Manners responded at one point by stating she had a flat battery and the RAC was en route, apologising for the inconvenience. However, Ms Kennedy's replies grew increasingly heated, including one that read, "Are you completely stupid or incredibly thoughtless? Very f...ing frustrating."
The Incident That Sparked Legal Action
On May 9, 2024, the situation reached a boiling point when Ms Kennedy needed to rush her dog to the vet for a medical emergency and found the Kluger obstructing her path once more. Dr Manners alleged that Ms Kennedy brandished a large, "Crocodile Dundee-style" knife, screaming and slashing the air for 10 to 15 minutes. She further claimed Ms Kennedy kicked her car grille and pushed her twice, with the second push forcing her into a wall.
As a result, Ms Kennedy was charged with being armed in a way that caused fear and assault in circumstances of aggravation, given Dr Manners' age. The case proceeded to trial in the Perth Magistrates Court, where Ms Kennedy represented herself.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During the trial, both parties presented conflicting accounts. Ms Kennedy admitted to calling her neighbour a "f...ing dumb bitch," while Dr Manners denied saying, "I hope your dog dies, Louise." A neighbour captured a portion of the altercation on mobile phone footage, which became a key piece of evidence. The magistrate, Lynette Dias, noted Ms Kennedy's expertise in designing parking turning circles, adding context to her perspective on driveway access.
Magistrate's Decision and Reasoning
In a reserved decision handed down on Wednesday, Magistrate Dias rejected Dr Manners' evidence as exaggerated, deeming it neither credible nor reliable. She described Ms Kennedy as "thorough and meticulous" and found her version more consistent with the mobile phone footage and other evidence.
The magistrate stated she was not convinced Ms Kennedy was armed with a large knife or assaulted Dr Manners as alleged, characterising any physical contact as "mild pushes." Importantly, Ms Dias highlighted that "the gravity of the complainant's provocation would cause the ordinary person to lose control," leading to the acquittal.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the verdict, Ms Kennedy expressed relief outside the court, pausing for photographs by The West Australian. She also voiced complaints about the police decision to lay charges, suggesting the legal process had been unnecessary. The case has drawn attention to neighbourhood disputes in affluent suburbs and the legal thresholds for self-defence and provocation in Western Australia.
This ruling underscores the complexities of interpersonal conflicts in shared living spaces and the judicial system's role in assessing evidence under pressure. For now, both parties must navigate their ongoing neighbourly relationship in Claremont, with this legal chapter closed.
